Psychosocial interventions for quality of life and wellbeing in adults with neuromuscular disorders: systematic review

Abstract

Background: The objective of this paper was to systematically review and critically appraise all known empirical studies of psychosocial interventions designed to improve quality of life and well-being in adults with neuromuscular disorders. Method: A systematic review of the published and unpublished literature was conducted. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were appraised using a validated quality assessment tool and results presented in a narrative synthesis. Findings: Out of 3,136 studies identified, ten studies met criteria for inclusion within the review. Included studies comprised a range of interventions including: cognitive behavioural therapy, dignity therapy, hypnosis, expressive writing, gratitude lists, group psychoeducation and psychologically informed rehabilitation. Across varied interventions and neuromuscular disorders, seven studies reported a short-term beneficial effect of intervention on quality of life and well-being. Whilst such findings are encouraging, widespread issues with the methodological quality of these studies significantly compromised the results. Discussion: There is no strong evidence that psychosocial interventions improve quality of life and well-being in adults with neuromuscular disorders, due to a paucity of high quality research in this field. Multi-site, randomised controlled trials with active controls, standardised outcome measurement and longer term follow-ups are urgently required.